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Former Oklahoma State star Rashaun Woods trying to change attitudes at John Marshall

Rashaun Woods was hired in January to coach a John Marshall team that went 0-10 in Class 3A last season. He believes his team is a talented group but says getting them to believe that is the important thing.

INTRODUCE / INTRODUCTION: Former Oklahoma State football standout Rashaun Woods speaks as he is introduced as the new head football coach at John Marshall High School on Tuesday, Feb.19, 2013, in Oklahoma City, Okla. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman

In his first head coaching job, Rashaun Woods knows he has his work cut out for him.

The former Oklahoma State star wide receiver is taking over a John Marshall football program that went 0-10 in Class 3A last season.

But his first concern isn't exactly about winning more games. It's about changing attitudes.

“The biggest goal, if you want to call it that, is getting a commitment,” Woods said. “It's about having kids understand that they have to be committed to have success. Committed to coming to practice everyday, committed to the weight program, committed in the classroom. If we do those things well, winning games and having success will start to go right along with it.”

Despite their record last season, Woods doesn't believe a lack of talent is his team's real problem.

“I don't really know what it was like last season, because I wasn't there,” Woods said. “But the morale was definitely down when I got here. We have to build that up. We have to help them believe in themselves and believe they can have success. I feel like they're an extremely talented group of guys, but they have to believe that.”

Since his hiring in January, Woods' impact has already caught the attention of coaches outside the program. Including Casady's Koby Scoville, who hosted a team camp this spring that John Marshall attended.

“It seems like the kids have really bought into Rashaun and the coaching staff,” Scoville said. “In very little time together they already looked like they knew what is expected of them and how to play as a team. I think that's largely due to what Rashaun has brought to them.”

Senior Devion Smith will be one of the Bears' most talented returning players this fall. Smith, who will play receiver and defensive back, is currently taking summer classes to ensure he will qualify academically should he receive any scholarship offers.

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Trent Shadid is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma. He was born and raised in Weatherford, Okla., and attended Weatherford High School. Before joining The Oklahoman, he spent two seasons as an assistant wrestling coach at Weatherford High...